Making Sawdust

The Northeastern Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild holds Monthly Meetings and hosts events and programs throughout the year. Click Upcoming Meeting for information about the next monthly meeting. Click Upcoming Events & Programs to see the schedule of future meetings/events. Click Monthly Meeting Location for information about where monthly meetings are held. Click Events Sponsored by Other Organizations to see other related events that might interest you.

Upcoming Meeting:

Working with Exotic Woods

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 @ 7:00pm

Presented By: Barry Bender

Many of us are aware of the domestic woods we see in furniture and woodwork in our homes and other structures. However, many of us are not aware of the wood that grows in other parts of the world.

For many years I made furniture of red oak and black walnut. I also made clocks with cherry and maple as well. Over time, I became curious of what else there is out there.

I discovered there was much more. I have worked with over 100 exotic woods. I became a collector of exotic wood making mostly bowls and letter openers, but also incorporating it into other projects such as intarsia.

Working with exotic lumber requires a bit of research. You need to know the properties of the wood before you start. Can you glue it? What kind of finish works or does not work? How hard is it on your cutting tools? Most importantly, what reactions will you get from the wood, such as a severe allergic reaction. 

I will cover these things, and more. I also will have on display many species of wood, some of which are restricted or extinct. I am also looking forward to learning from members attending the meeting on their experiences as well. You will be amazed at the different colors and grain structures of various types of wood.

Monthly Meeting Location:

Northeast WI Technical College (NWTC)